The last in the line of large piston-engine Avro aircraft that started with the Manchester, the Shackleton would have a long and varied career with both the RAF and SAAF. The South African Air Force bought eight machines that served with 35 Squadron from 1957 until 1984. The aircraft served in the maritime reconnaissance role, though they were used for a myriad of other duties and proved a venerable servant to the SAAF during their service lives.